During this potentially disastrous yet not unprecedented time, it may be wise to step off the treadmill of the doctrine of preventive war and reflect on the genius example of those who came before and believed that another way is possible. Mainers have the unique (and proud) ability to reach cogent counter-arguments to those in the present administration who wish to dominate the world.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, self-described as “war-like against war,” was willing to stand against the illegal Mexican War. He abhorred the Civil War, which he, in the end, supported due to a greater hate of slavery. The Civil War was, he proclaimed, “infernal.” He predicted that there would come a time when the “blast of war” will be replaced by the “holy melodies of love.”

His short poem of hope, “Christmas Bells,” accounts that, as is today, the government “mocks Peace on Earth” yet he stands in sure confidence that “the wrong shall fail” and peace will prevail.

The anniversary of Longfellow’s birth date is Feb. 27. It would not be unfounded or unpatriotic to challenge today’s disturbing miscalculations with Longfellow’s undaunting faith in the eternal endurance of peace.

Allan Watson

Manchester